Lidocaine Drug Card

Question 1

Generic name

Answer 1

Lidocaine

Question 2

Brand name

Answer 2

Xylocaine

Question 3

Class

Answer 3

Antiarrhythmic (class 1b)

Question 4

Action

Answer 4

• suppresses ventricular ectopic activity
• increases ventricular fibrillation threshold
• Reduces velocity of electrical impulse through conductive system

(Only fixes rhythm when it refers to the heart)

Question 5

Indications

Answer 5

Ventricular tachycardia/ fibrillation refractory to amiodarone

(Only fixes rhythm)

Question 6

Contraindications

Answer 6

High-degree heart blocks (slow heart)

PVCs in conjunction with bradycardia

Question 7

Precautions

Answer 7

• Dosage should not exceed 3000 mg/hr
• Monitor for central nervous system toxicity
• Dosage should be reduced by 50 percent in patients older than 70 years of age or who have liver disease.

Question 8

Side Effects

Answer 8

Anxiety
Drowsiness
Dizziness
Confusion
Nausea and vomiting 
Convulsions 
Widening of QRS complex

Question 9

Adult Dosage

Answer 9

Bolus: initial bolus of 1-1.5 mg/kg; additional bonuses of 0.5-0.75 mg/kg can be repeated at 5 to 10 minute intervals until the arrhythmia has been suppressed or until 3.0 mg/kg of medication has been administered; reduce dosage by 50% in patients older than 70 years of age.

Drip: After the arrhythmia has been suppressed, a 2-4 mg/min infusion may be started to maintain adequate blood levels.

Question 10

Adult Route

Answer 10

IV bolus, IV infusion